2023 Volkswagen Golf
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.8 - 7.8 / 100km |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Rating | 5-star |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.8 - 7.8 / 100km |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Rating | 5-star |
| Warranty | 5 years |
About the Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has received a number of revisions for the 2023 model year, and has lost its entry-level six-speed manual variant.
All versions of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf will offer nine airbags – including a front-centre airbag, as well as rear side and full-length curtain coverage.
Base Golf and Golf Life models will be first to feature the nine airbags from “late June production”, while the Golf R-Line, GTI and R variants will follow from “late November production”.
In addition, all MY23 Golf variants will received revised Lane Assist and Travel Assist safety systems, which the company says “can more accurately detect narrow roads”.
Summary
Modern-looking interior
Smooth, quiet powertrain
Balance between ride and handling
Screens are flashier than they are functional
Australia misses the best engine technology
Those prices are steep
Video Review
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Volkswagen Golf GTI review 2022 (inc. 0-100)
This has me confused - the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI is actually slower on paper that the previous generation - despite being a new model. That's because it's now slightly heavier than it was before.
Volkswagen Golf Photo Gallery
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Pricing Level
Price Value
Details
RRP
$39,190
Manufacturer listed price
RETAIL DRIVEAWAY
$40,990
Advertised Driveaway Price
ON ROAD INCENTIVE
$856
On road costs
CASH INCENTIVE
$1,869
Cash bonus or discount
Body Style
Hatchback
Fuel Type
Petrol
Number of Doors
5
Number of Seats
5
Drive Type
FWD
Transmission
A8
Engine Size
1.4 L
Torque
250 Nm
Loan Rate
10.99%
Terms
Up to 60 Months
Weekly Repayment From
$206
Reviews
News
Volkswagen Golf Range Guide
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf comes standard with the following features:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Rain-sensing window wipers
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
- 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker sound system
- Tri-zone climate control
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Cloth upholstery
The Life adds the following:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Power tailgate (wagon only)
- Power-folding side mirrors
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro (configurable digital instruments)
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Seven-speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- Satellite navigation
- 10-colour interior ambient lighting
- Keyless entry and start
- Comfort front seats with lumbar adjustment
- Luggage partition
- Emergency Assist
- Exit warning system
The R-Line adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- R-Line exterior trim
- Lowered (15mm) R-Line suspension
- Progressive steering
- LED performance headlights
- Rear privacy glass
- 30-colour interior ambient lighting
- Sports seats with leather trim
The GTI adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- GTI exterior trim and highlights
- Twin exhaust pipes
- LED grille strip
- Adaptive Chassis Control
- Tartan-trimmed sport seats
The range-topping Golf R adds:
- 4MOTION all-wheel drive
- Torque vectoring
- 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels
- Performance front brakes (358mm discs)
- Six drive modes (including Drift and Special)
- Extended rear roof spoiler (hatch)
- Adaptive dampers
- Sports exhaust
- Matrix LED headlights
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with R modes
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front sports seats
- Power driver’s seat with memory
Price & Specs
Interior
The Digital Cockpit and Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrument clusters will also “more readily show the digital speedometer even when pop-up information is shown in the cluster”.
Volkswagen has committed to touchscreens and gloss black capacitive controls in place of the buttons and dials that have gradually evolved over three generations of Golf.
Unlike the entry-level car and its 8.0-inch central display, the mid-range Golf Life gets two 10.25-inch displays atop its dashboard. It almost looks like a concept car, especially if you’ve just hopped out of its predecessor.
Plenty of the things that were good about the previous Golf remain. The driving position is excellent in the Life, thanks to comfortable cloth-trimmed seats that drop right down to the floor, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a quality item.
You still get plenty of soft-touch plastic trim, the stubby gear selector slots into place with a satisfying click, and the indicator stalk is beautifully damped. It’s all classic Volkswagen.
There are some signs of cost-cutting though. The cup holders aren’t hidden under a sliding lid anymore, and the fold-down cubby for garage keys or coins near the driver’s right knee his gone.
They’re small things, but they’re the small things that have always elevated the Golf above its competitors. In some ways, Volkswagen is a victim of its own high standards.
The screen in front of the driver is excellent, which is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen Group products. The graphics are crisp, and it shows just the right amount of information.
It’s annoying you can’t change the colour of the display from what’s a pretty uninspiring shade of aqua unless you option the Comfort and Style Pack, though.
The central touchscreen is similarly sharp, but it’s being asked to do too much. If you want to change the fan speed, for example, you need to press a button on the dash and then fiddle with the touchscreen.
That means you lose your media display, and have to spend more time with your eyes off the road compared to how things worked in the old Golf with its physical dials.
Familiarity helps, but there’s no getting around the fact things that used to be easy are now harder. That’s not good enough in what’s meant to be an evolved take on the Golf.
On the plus side, wireless Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, and the infotainment system itself feels thoroughly modern.
Rear seat space is generous for what’s still a reasonably compact wagon, with space for adults or tall teenagers.
Rear passengers get their own temperature controls and air vents, along with a USB-C charge point and a fold-down central armrest.
Exterior
Although there are no exterior changes for the 2023 model year, all Golf models will get a new steering wheel airbag cover, while Golf, Golf Life and Golf GTI versions get new door trim inserts. GTI models also get embossed sports seat covers.
The big choice in the Golf range is between the regular and R-Line models.
The latter gets bigger wheels, and a more aggressive look in line with the more powerful, all-wheel drive Golf R.
The Golf GTI has extra red detailing on its grille, along with a more prominent rear wing and unique wheels, while the R sits lower and is the most aggressive-looking Golf money can buy.
Volkswagen Golf Colours
On the core range, metallic paint is a $600 option while premium metallic paint is a $900 option.
The following shades are available on the core range:
- Candy White
- Deep Black
- Dolphin Grey
- Reflex Silver (excludes R-Line)
- Moonstone Grey (R-Line only)
- Atlantic Blue
- Pomello Yellow
All shades are a no-cost option in the GTI, but for Kings Red which costs $300. The following shades are available:
- Pure White
- Dolphin Grey
- Deep Black
- Moonstone Grey
- Atlantic Blue
- Kings Red
The Golf R is available in three exterior paint colours:
- Pure White
- Lapiz Blue metallic
- Deep Black pearl
Cost of Ownership
Pricing for the service packages are as follows:
Three-year service
Golf $1450
Golf GTI $1600
Golf R $1700
Five-year service plan
Golf $2400
Golf GTI $2800
Golf R $3000
How it Drives
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf in base, Life and R-Line trims, are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
These models are front-wheel drive and use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The Golf GTI upgrades to a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 370Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s also front-wheel drive but includes a locking front differential.
Volkswagen claims the Golf GTI can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The Golf R hatch is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235kW and 400Nm. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Volkswagen claims the Golf R hatch can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The Golf R Wagon on the other hand has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine but with the European tune which adds 20Nm, taking the total to 420Nm. It also has a petrol particulate filter (PPF).
Volkswagen claims the Golf R Wagon can o the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
For all that’s changed, the Mk 8 Golf still feels like a Golf.
It’s smooth and quiet, with a planted feeling that wouldn’t be out of place in a bigger, more expensive car.
The switch from a dual-clutch transmission to a more conventional torque converter means the new Golf uses more fuel than its predecessor, but it also makes it smoother and easier to drive in the city.
Even the best dual-clutch transmissions carry some kind of learning curve, the eight-speeder in the new Golf doesn’t.
It’s smart enough to keep the 1.4-litre engine in its torque band most of the time, slurring inoffensively from gear-to-gear when you’re cruising.
As has always been the case, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Golf is an effortless companion. Its outputs are down on what you get in the latest warm hatches from Hyundai and Kia, but its buttery smooth power delivery and torquey mid-range mean you never need to work it hard.
Where it does feel like a backwards step is when you’re in a hurry. Even in Sport mode the eight-speed Golf doesn’t snap through the ratios with the confidence of a DSG, and taking charge with the paddles isn’t as satisfying.
Is that likely to worry the average owner? Probably not, although it’s arguably more of an issue in the sporty Golf R-Line than in its more demure siblings.
The coat of polish applied to the engine extends to the ride and handling, too. The R-Line sits 15mm lower than the regular Golf, but it soaks up the worst the city can throw at it without breaking a sweat.
It’s a bit firmer than the related Skoda Octavia, but it’s still perfectly usable day-to-day.
In traditional Volkswagen fashion, body control is tight without feeling outright sporty. It deals with speed bumps in one movement, the body settling quickly.
Unlike some of its rivals, Volkswagen has stuck with a multi-link rear suspension on the Golf. That has a negative impact on boot space, but it also contributes to the car’s planted, neutral feeling from behind the wheel.
Flick it into a corner and the nose just goes where you want it to, with very little in the way of understeer or lairy, lift-off oversteer.
Even in R-Line guise the Golf majors on low-fuss stability rather than outright thrills, although it’ll put a smile on your face if you’re willing to take it by the scruff of the neck.
It’s not perfect, though. The tyres are noisy on the highway, especially Australian coarse-chip highways, and Volkswagen’s adaptive cruise control won’t pass to the left of a slower car.
In Europe, where lane discipline is drummed into drivers from day one, that’s a good thing. In Australia, where it’s common for drivers to sit in the right lane doing 10km/h below the limit, it’s annoying.
Volkswagen Golf Safety Rating
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing based on carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.
It scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 80 per cent for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Nine airbags, including a centre airbag
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Multi-collision brake
- Lane-keep assist
- Travel assist
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Park Assist
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
All bar the base model include Emergency Assist and safe exit warning.
Volkswagen Golf Lifecycle
The current generation Volkswagen Golf was launched in May 2021 and is currently 83 percent through its lifecycle. The last update was a limited edition release that was launched in November 2023 with the next model expected in 2024.
Volkswagen Golf Options
The $1500 Sound and Vision package available on the Golf Life and R-Line adds the following:
- Head-up display
- Harman/Kardon nine-speaker sound system
The $2000 Comfort and Style package available on the Golf Life adds:
- Microfleece cloth trim
- Comfort sport front seats
- 30-colour interior ambient lighting
- Panoramic glass sunroof
The $3800 Luxury package available on the Golf GTI adds:
- ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Powered driver’s seat with memory
- Heated steering wheel
- Panoramic glass sunroof
The $2500 Sound and Style package available on the Golf GTI adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Head-up display
- Harman/Kardon nine-speaker sound system
A panoramic glass sunroof is a standalone option on the R-Line, R hatch, and R Wagon, and costs $1800, $1900 and $2000, respectively.
Another standalone option for the Golf R hatch and wagon is a Harman Kardon sound system for $1000.
Volkswagen Golf Warranty
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km and Volkswagen offers three- and five-year prepaid service packages.
Volkswagen Golf Stock Availability
A look at the Volkswagen Australia website reveals the Golf 110TSI Life and R-Line, along with the GTI, are in stock at some dealers.
Volkswagen Golf Boot Space
Boot space is a claimed 374L in the hatch and 611L in the wagon with the rear seats in place. Their load volume expands to 1230L and 1642L, respectively, with the rear seats folded.
Volkswagen Golf Fuel Economy
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf range has the following claimed fuel economy figures:
- Golf hatch: 5.8L/100km
- Golf Wagon: 5.9L/100km
- Golf GTI: 7.0L/100km
- Golf R hatch: 7.8L/100km
- Golf R Wagon: 7.4L/100km
All models require 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, except for the two Golf R variants which require 98 RON.
Depending on the variant, view the 2023 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF fuel usage below.
All Highway, City, and Combined figures below are litres per 100km
| Variant | Series | Style | Fuel Type | Highway | City | Combined | E10? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110TSI LIFE | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL | - | - | 5.8 | - |
| 110TSI R-LINE | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL | - | - | 5.8 | - |
| GTi | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL | - | - | 7.0 | - |
| R 4MOTION | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL | - | - | 7.8 | - |
| R 4MOTION 20 YEARS | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL | - | - | 7.3 | - |
Volkswagen Golf Dimensions
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf hatchback measures in at 4284mm long, 1789mm wide, and 1456mm tall with a 2636mm wheelbase.
The Golf Wagon on the other hand is longer at 4633mm, slightly taller at 1483mm tall, and has a longer wheelbase at 2686mm.
Depending on the variant, the 2023 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF measures as below.
| Variant | Series | Style | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110TSI LIFE | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | 4284 | 1789 | 1456 | 2636 |
| 110TSI R-LINE | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | 4284 | 1789 | 1456 | 2636 |
| GTi | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | 4287 | 1789 | 1463 | 2631 |
| R 4MOTION | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | 4290 | 1789 | 1458 | 2631 |
| R 4MOTION 20 YEARS | MARK 8 CD MY24 | 5D HATCHBACK | 4290 | 1789 | 1458 | 2631 |
The 2023 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has a braked towing capacity from 1500kg to 1600kg depending on the variant and an unbraked towing capacity from 650kg to 720kg depending on the variant.
Volkswagen Golf Market Fit
The Volkswagen Golf is categorised as a SMALL UP TO 40K and has a price range of $39,190 to $77,490. There are currently 4 other options in the SMALL UP TO 40K segment, those that fit within a similar price range include:
Volkswagen Golf Sales Data
Volkswagen sold 1926 examples of the Golf in 2021.
Owner Reviews
Should you buy the Volkswagen Golf
While the Volkswagen Golf is pricier than before, it still stacks up well against its competition (especially against its Skoda rival, funnily enough) and packs more standard equipment than the old car. That the IQ. Drive suite of technology is standard from the base level is commendable.
There’s also still that basic Golf goodness, with a polished ride/handling balance and a smooth powertrain that is none the worse for having dropped the dual-clutch auto.
The Golf has long been a benchmark in the European C-segment plus a consistent top-seller. A higher base price and increasing movement to SUVs over here in Australia may dent Golf sales but the Mk8 should still be at the top of your list if you’re in the market for a circa-$35k hatchback.
Competitor Analysis
Volkswagen Golf Interesting Facts
The latest Golf is no longer the most important hatchback in the Volkswagen range. The new ID.3 electric car is designed to take the Golf formula into a new era.